John S. Mercer

John Stiles Mercer, born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, on July 23, 1946, died September 7, 2026, at Avita of Newburyport. He was the son of the late Thomas M. Mercer and the late Kittie Mercer.

Raised in South Byfield on the campus of what is now The Governor’s Academy, John had a happy childhood. He graduated from Governor’s in 1964 and continued his studies at Harvard College, from which he graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English literature in 1968.

It was at Harvard, through a part-time job at Widener Library, that John met his future bride, Florence, over a tuna sandwich. What started as a friendship blossomed several years later into love, and in 1975 marriage. They settled in Amesbury, Massachusetts, and formed deep roots in the town that were further strengthened with the birth of their daughter, Martha Henry, in 1977.

During a stint in the Army Reserves, John began work in communications consulting with his father, and eventually bought his father’s business, which came to be known as Mercer Writing. He continued this work for the next 50 years, working with local and national companies both in the United States and abroad. He relished teaching and interacting with his students, often for years after the courses ended, and preferred working solo, despite many suggestions over the years that he could expand his business further.

As the years passed, John deepened his ties to the Newburyport area, following in the footsteps of his father to join a men’s club founded in 1911 called the Tuesday Night Club and becoming its secretary for over 50 years. He also joined a small local writing group which had a focus on poetry, with many of his poems loved and celebrated for years to come. Perhaps most meaningful to him was his membership in the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist of Newburyport, which he had attended as a child. Over the years he served on many church committees, taught Sunday school, became a prolific fundraiser, and sang in the choir, and late in his career he served as the church administrator for 10 years.

John’s love of the outdoors was formed in his childhood summers at Hyde Bay Camp in Cooperstown, New York, where he made lifelong friends. It continued in the late 1970s at Putnam Camp in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, where he became an avid hiker and began conquering the 46 highest peaks in the region, earning the nickname “Ranger John” along the way and forming many meaningful friendships. He and Florence continued hiking in New England into their 60s, eventually climbing the 115 highest peaks in the Northeast.

Throughout, John was a man of many passions, from photography to fine wine and all things tech. But most of all he loved music, finding new groups and styles and introducing them to his friends and family. He also loved organizing concerts, including bluegrass concerts and the Jean Wilson Music Series, which showcased classical musicians.

John’s daughter, Martha, used to say he would strike up a conversation with anyone, and that was his essence. He loved people, and was always ready to provide a sympathetic ear. It came naturally to him.

John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Florence, of Amesbury, Massachusetts, and his daughter, Martha Mercer Ribeiro, her husband, Lauro Ribeiro Jr., and two grandsons, Frederick and Theo Ribeiro, of Danvers, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas M. Mercer Jr., and wife Judy Mercer, of Dallas, Texas; two nephews, Thomas M. Mercer III (and wife Mary Mercer) of San Francisco, California, and Benjamin S. Mercer of Brooklyn, New York; and a beloved extended family. John was predeceased by his sister, Carolyn Mercer.

Burial will be private, and a memorial service will be held later in the fall. Details to follow.

Donations may be made in John’s honor to the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist, 26 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950.